International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was first adopted in 1914, following the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. The convention’s primary aim was to ensure that ships, particularly passenger ships, adhered to minimum safety standards in construction, equipment, and operation to prevent such disasters. Among its many provisions, SOLAS mandated the continuous monitoring of distress frequencies and the availability of radio communication equipment on board, significantly enhancing maritime safety. For amateur radio operators, SOLAS underscored the critical role of radio communication in emergencies, reinforcing the importance of reliable and efficient maritime communication practices to safeguard lives at sea.